Winter Weekend Dinner Party Menu Inspired by Provencal Cuisine

We have been “dining-out” on David’s delicious seafood-based Christmas menu, and a bit reluctant to turn the page to the realities of a cold winter in parts of North America. However, the truth is that Provence is enjoying a mild-ish winter, while skiers are revelling in the snowy Alps this year. So, it’s time for a new dinner party menu this one is hearty, suitable for cooler evenings and days filled with outdoor activities. This Winter Dinner Menu is a built around some traditional ingredients Jerusalem artichokes (topinambour), almonds, leeks, chicken and squash.

The topinambour is a root vegetable that grows in the wild in the South of France. It has a pretty yellow flower that is part of the sunflower family. However, it was one the only vegetables, available during WWII in France, and many people still refuse to eat sunchokes. Ashely’s recipe is a twist on potato soup with Jerusalem artichokes and cumin.

David is a big fan of Italian cooking (and so are we). This crunchy little cookie biscuit is the French version of the Italian biscotti. Delightfully good served with your favourite tea or coffee or vino santo or Beaume de Venise. Well, you get the idea.

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride was at six-months old, her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Just a little 'bonjour' Cheryl to let you know I've been enjoying your Instagram posts (I think we follow each other), and am happy to discover your website. I too…

Perfectly Provence is an essential online resource, a digital magazine for locals and visitors alike, with content collected from the region’s top regional writers. Focused exclusively on Provence, Perfectly Provence includes targeted regional content for both tourists and for those who have chosen the area for their permanent home.